Ball with tail(Spline): Previous Homework Changes
Following feedback on my previous assignment, I implemented several modifications. These included refining the trajectory arc, adjusting the time the ball remains airborne, and altering the shape of the ball during its ascent and descent. Additionally, I modified the tail’s form to ensure it follows the ball’s motion more cohesively.
This reflects the revisions made to the earlier version.
This is the revised version, incorporating adjustments to the trajectory arc, airtime, and the shape of both the ball and its trailing tail throughout the motion.
Weight Shift
In today’s lesson, we focused on weight shift. The primary objective of the animation homework is to ensure that the weight accurately follows the leg bearing the load.
In other words, when the weight shifts from right to left, the body should initially tilt slightly to the right. As the weight transitions to the other side, it should then tilt slightly to the left, creating a sense of movement. Additionally, it is essential for the body to maintain alignment with the line of balance throughout the animation.
Line of Balance
Fig-1: EtheringtonBrothers
We must ensure that in every frame, when a line is drawn between poses, the distribution of positive and negative space on the left and right remains balanced. This approach mimics the actual balance that a person exhibits in the real world.
Weight Shift: Reference
For this task, I recorded several reference videos of myself, experimenting with both faster and slower movements. My goal was to incorporate exaggeration into my actions; however, upon reviewing the footage, I felt that the level of exaggeration was inadequate. After further attempts, I captured improved results that more effectively convey the desired effect.
Weight Shift: Planning
While planning the animation, I found it challenging to map out each keyframe as the animation complexity increased. In simpler animations, such as a bouncing ball, planning was more straightforward; since the ball lacks limbs, it was easier to illustrate overlapping details like shape variations and speed adjustments without elements covering one another. However, as the animation involves more complex forms—like characters with legs—layering different elements can create confusion, making it difficult to keep the planning process organized.
To address this, I plan to use digital drawing tools with distinct colors for each frame in future projects, which should help clarify each element and improve readability in the planning phase.
Weight Shift: Outcome
My weight shift blocking ended up differing somewhat from the demonstration in class, as I based mine on a different reference video. Nonetheless, I did my best to align with the demonstration as much as possible, and this was the resulting animation. Some adjustments are still necessary, particularly regarding the rotation of the foot, body, and various angles.
Posing
This week, I created several poses based on the preliminary sketches I had drawn earlier.